Jennifer Tuma-Young appeared on the NBC-10 Show in Philadelphia to discuss ways to add some “sparkle” to your holiday season, and stress-proof family traditions. Here are some of her tips:
These are 5 tips to enjoy the holidays, and start some new traditions that are simple. practical. totally fun. And, let’s face it, when we’re laughing and making memories, we aren’t focusing on negativity and stress, right?
1. Funny Photo Set
You can get silly props tocreate a mock “set” to take family photos, say for Christmas use a santa hat, candy cane props, rudolph red noses! Get creative, silly, and most importantly, have fun! On a poster board write “HOLIDAY NAME 2010” and everyone can pose for pictures.
2. Set Up a Digital Photo Printing Station
Alright, we’ve all done it! How many times do you take pictures that stay in the camera or computer, but never get printed! This year, set up a digital photo-printing station, complete with dollar store frames or albums. Let your guests print out photos before they leave, and the Christmas memories will stay alive!
Don’t worry- if you don’t have a photo printer, chances are one of your guests does, so just ask!
2. Arts and Crafts
Kids love making stuff, but research shows that adults that tap into their creative side laugh more and generally have more fun in life! Make it a tradition to paint pottery, create a scrapbook page, or shadowbox. Go to the craft store and find something you can make together as a family! If you choose a vase this year, you’ll have the perfect place for your flowers next year! Or, make a scrapbook page for every holiday, and create a special book of memories!
3. Get Thankful Games
When everyone sits down to dinner, you can have fun by having everyone pitch in to the blessing by asking each person what he/she is most thankful for! Make it even more fun by adding a thankful “twist”. Get a fish bowl and on scrap paper create categories like family, work/school, friends, food, hobbies, nature. Have each person respond with what they are most thankful for within the category that they choose. It’s a fun and meaningful tradition, and by the way, I believe gratitude can change your life!!
4. Cookie Fun
Baking cookies is super fun, and only takes 12 minutes once the dough is prepped! Use holiday-inspired toppers, colored sprinkles, and have all the kids join in for cookie decorating and baking! Have everything prepped, and create a “make your own cookie” station.
5. Bring Back Board Games
With video games, ipods, and this highly digital world we’re in, it’s fun to use the holidays to “get back to basics”! Make it a text-free, blackberry-free day by keeping everyone occupied with fun “old-school” games like twister, monopoly, scrabble, or trivial pursuit!
